Internet Desk: The visiting Australian side seems to be leaving no stone unturned to counter the spin of chinaman Kuldeep Yadav . The Aussies, who arrived in Chennai almost a week before the start of the first ODI at Chepauk on Sunday flew in a chinaman bowler from Kerala to prepare themselves against Kuldeep.
Very few in the cricket circuit will know about KK Jiyas until Friday, as the chinaman bowler was seen bowling at the Aussie nets in Chennai on Friday. Jiyas rolled his arms about 12 overs against the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Mathew Wade, Marcus Stoinis and James Faulkner.
Jiyas, who represented Kerala in U’19, U’22 and U’25 level also had a brief stint with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils. Before his Delhi Daredevils stint, Jiyas was part of the Development squad of the Rajasthan Royals during 2011-2013.
It was basically the brainchild of Australia’s spin bowling consultant S Sriram to get Jiyas to bowl at the Aussie batsman. Sriram has been associated with the Australian team since the test tour to India. Having seen him bowl during his stint as assistant coach of Delhi Daredevils, he called Jiyas to bowl at the Australian batsmen. It had to be admitted the 25 year old bowler from Kerala caught the eyes of Sriram.
“It was a dream day for me. I enjoyed bowling to them. I bowled about 12 overs and I tried all variations. I was able to beat their bats on the outside a few times but at times they whacked me. It was thrilling,” Jiyas told TOI.
Jiyas, who is working hard to make it to Kerala Ranji team, is set to represent a third division team in the TNCA league this season.
It was not Jiyas alone who was sent a SOS by Sriram. The former India spinner also called Murugan Ashwin to bowl at the Australia nets. The leg spinner from Chennai was also seen rolling his arms at the nets along with Jiyas. Ashwin perhaps might be suggested to come and bowl at the Aussie nets by Steve Smith who leads Rising Pune Supergiants in the IPL, the same franchise for which Ashwin played for in the last season.